Israel developing micro-satellites for better intelligence
IAF to invest hundreds of millions in developing satellites that can be launched from airplanes.
By Anshel Pfeffer Tags: IAF Israel newsIsrael is expected to invest hundreds of millions in developing small satellites that can be launched from an airplane, enabling the Israel Air Force and Intelligence Corps the ability to gather information on specific targets on short notice, IAF Commander Maj. Gen. Ido Nehoshtan said Wednesday.
Nehoshtan was speaking at a lecture at the annual Ilan Ramon Space Conference at the Fisher Brothers Institute for Air and Space Strategic Studies in Herzliya. He outlined the needs of the Israel Defense Forces and IAF in terms of space intelligence, and said that "we need to cover large territories and to do it all the time, constantly, through a variety of sensors."
Israel needs "something like an airplane that can take off and do what needs to be done - micro satellites," he said.
Senior sources in the air force said Wednesday that Nehoshtan's speech was more than just wishful thinking, as they have been working for a year on pinning down the technical concept of micro-satellites and the missions they could carry out.
As of today, Israel is operating three intelligence satellites - Ofek 5, Ofek 7 and SAR-1. The state also purchases satellite footage from local and foreign companies.
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is hoping to supply the new demand. Rafael is trying to develop micro-satellites weighing under 120 kilograms, many times smaller than ordinary satellites developed by Israel Aerospace Industries.
The new satellites will also be able to fly considerably lower than their predecessors, the company said.
Traditional satellites normally fly in altitudes of 600 to 700 kilometers above the earth, since lower altitudes would necessitate more engine use. The low weight of the micro-satellites will enable them to fly at as low as 300 kilometers, which would allow for lighter and less powerful surveillance gear.
The main cost reduction would come at the launching stage, however, since it would not necessitate buying or building expensive rockets.
Menachem Kadron, chief of Rafael's space department, said he believed that with adequate sponsorship, the micro-satellites will be operable within five years.
|
The Ofek 7 satellite blasting off from its launchpad. |
| Photo by: (Archive) |
Why Facebook Connect?
Comment on Haaretz.com articles with your Facebook login, and share your thoughts on your own wall.
- Latest
- Most Viewed
- Most Rated
- Open all
Interesting. How would Israel give up something by letting the US in? You mean technology? But like JSF F-35 project, in spite of so many members, no one really gets key techs except for US itself.
as its defence secrets have been targeted for years by the Israeli military-industrial complex.
No. If the US gets involved Israel will surely have to give up something important. Kepp the US away from everything.
Then there is no more need for check points specially with a high sophisticated monitoring weapon system and with west bank magnetic cards , a human being with a west bank magnetic ID card and without a permit could be shot easily !?!How about that for more israeli security for an example .
because it will be a quick response to replace those satellites that will be knocked out during war.